Facilities

When students and staff return to program, it is vital that the physical space within each classroom is maintained to allow for maximum possible protection from spreading COVID-19.

General Health and Safety Assurances

The E. John Gavras Center will abide by all guidance related to health and safety through the procedures outlined within the “Health and Safety” section of this document.  The agency will follow guidance on space usage and will make modifications to the number of students receiving in-person programming at any given time to be in compliance with requirements set forth by NYSED, DOH, and/or Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

Fire Code Compliance

Any changes related to room usage, alterations to physical space, and/or facilities will be submitted to the Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), local municipalities, and/or codes enforcement officials to ensure review, approval, and/or compliance with applicable codes.

Ventilation

The E. John Gavras Center will monitor and adjust its heating/air conditioning system to ensure that filters are appropriate and clean.  In addition, the agency will encourage staff to open external windows, to increase the ventilation, at times when it is appropriate.

Nutrition

A successful nutrition program is an important element to a successful educational environment. The E. John Gavras Center collaborates with the Auburn Enlarged City School District to obtain meals for the students attending the agency’s educational programs.  The Auburn School District delivers prepared meals to the E. John Gavras Center’s program and the E. John Gavras Center’s staff serve the provided meals to the students in the program.

Hygiene

All students will wash their hands with soap and water following the 20 seconds guidance prior to eating and again after they finish eating.  If necessary, staff will assist students with washing.

Location

Meals will be delivered from the Break Room area to the classrooms by designated E. John Gavras Center staff.  Students will eat the meals in their own classrooms.

Transportation

The E. John Gavras Center is not responsible for the transport of students attending our program.  The Agency will work with local Department of Health officials, to ensure proper communication for preschool student transport, for those special needs children who qualify, and with the transportation company.

Due to the large number of students using the entrance during drop off and pick up, the UPK, 3PK and community preschool children will have an arrival time of 9:30 AM and a pick up time of 3:00 PM.  This will allow enough time for screening of the children in the morning and prevent overcrowding in the hallways.